iStent® in Boca Raton, FL

Innovative technology has made it possible to treat glaucoma patients with effective procedures that pose fewer risks and have shorter recovery periods. As part of our extensive catalog of MIGS or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, Clewner & Kelly Eye Center is proud to offer the groundbreaking iStent. The smallest medical device ever approved by the FDA, the iStent creates a tiny opening in the eye's trabecular meshwork to increase the flow of aqueous fluid and help lower intraocular pressure. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, contact our glaucoma specialists in Boca Raton, FL, to learn more about the iStent or any of our other minimally invasive options.

The iStent has quickly become a popular treatment method for glaucoma. This innovative treatment has a variety of benefits. Notably, the stent is so small, many patients don't even feel a difference after implantation. With long-term success rates, the iStent offers several additional benefits, including:

• Decreased intraocular pressure
• Minimally invasive process
• Quick recovery
• Low risk of complication
• Less glaucoma medications needed

Typically individuals over the age of 18 with mild to moderate glaucoma can consider an iStent. During an exam, we we examine your eyes and review your medical history, as well as your medications, to determine if you're a good candidate for this procedure. The iStent is a great way for these individuals to lower intraocular pressure while also reducing their reliance on medications.

The iStent is generally placed during cataract surgery. Prior to surgery, our team will administer numbing eye drops to ensure you experience as little discomfort as possible during your procedure. The same incision used to remove your cataract will be used to implant the iStent. The tiny titanium device is preloaded into a single-use sterile injector and inserted through the trabecular meshwork and into the Schlemm's canal. Once the iStent is in place, it can increase the flow of aqueous fluid and decrease eye pressure. Following your surgery, your ophthalmologist will require you to make several follow-up appointments so that your intraocular pressure and healing progress can be monitored. If you have further questions about the process, speak to your glaucoma specialist in Boca Raton, FL.

Recovering from your surgery should be relatively quick. Your vision after your surgery with iStent placement may be a bit blurry for a day or two; however, over the next week or so, you should see vast improvements. We will ask to see you the day following your procedure to ensure you're healing properly. You should not rub or put pressure on your eye after your treatment. We also advise that you avoid getting soap or water into your eyes and that you try not to sleep on the side of your body where you had your surgery. Additionally, we ask that you do not swim or workout for about four weeks after surgery or until approved by our team.

Does the iStent in Boca Raton, FL hurt?
No, the iStent injection will not hurt. We will numb the eye before we start to safeguard you against any pain. If you have additional information on how we prepare your eye, contact our team.

How long is the iStent injection procedure?
The procedure is relatively quick. Typically, the injection procedure will only last around five minutes.

Can the device be dislodged into the eye?
Dislodgement is a very rare complication associated with the injection. All the devices are carefully implanted by our professional team to ensure they stay in place.

Can the iStent be used if I don’t need cataract surgery?
The iStent is most commonly placed during cataract surgery since both conditions often occur together, but it is not typically used as a standalone procedure. If you don’t need cataract surgery, our glaucoma specialists at Clewner & Kelly Eye Center can explore other minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) options that may be more appropriate for your condition.

Will I still need glaucoma medication after receiving an iStent?
Many patients experience a reduction in their need for glaucoma eye drops after iStent placement, but medication requirements can vary based on individual response and disease severity. Your ophthalmologist will closely monitor your intraocular pressure and determine whether adjustments to your treatment plan are needed during follow-up visits.

How long does the iStent remain effective?
The iStent is designed to be a lasting implant, and its effects on reducing intraocular pressure can last for many years. However, glaucoma is a progressive disease, so regular check-ups at our Boca Raton, FL location are essential to ensure your eye pressure stays within a safe range and to adjust your care plan if needed.

The iStent offers patients with glaucoma a safe and effective treatment that can slow the progression of their disease and help preserve vision. Our experienced ophthalmologists at Clewner & Kelly Eye Center specialize in minimally invasive solutions that produce powerful, sight-saving results. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma in Parkland, Pompano, Delray, or Deerfield Beach, FL, you can rest assured that trusted professional help is close at hand. To learn more about the iStent or any other treatments for glaucoma, contact our friendly team at our location in Boca Raton, FL.